Tips & Tricks for Planning Your Rehearsal Dinner
Image from Junebug Weddings
Whether you’re planning a grandiose wedding or an intimate gathering, your wedding weekend will likely start with a rehearsal dinner. The rehearsal dinner typically occurs the day before the wedding immediately after the wedding ceremony rehearsal. It’s traditionally planned and hosted by the parents of the groom but everyone on both sides of the family, wedding party members, and out-of-town guests are typically invited to the rehearsal dinner (but that’s ultimately up to the couple!).
Some rehearsal dinners have turned into a full-on event while others are smaller and more intimate. No matter what type of rehearsal dinner you’re planning, here are some tips and tricks to ensure the day runs smoothly!
Rehearsal Dinner Etiquette
Different from the wedding, the rehearsal dinner has its own set of “rules”. For example, the groom’s parents typically plan and host the rehearsal dinner but that’s not necessarily set in stone. Nowadays, the couple themselves or either side of the family can plan and host this event!
If the groom’s parents plan and host the rehearsal dinner, they will also traditionally pay for it as well.
As for who should be invited - immediate family members, the wedding party and their guests and out-of-town guests get an invite to the rehearsal dinner. However, it’s really up to the couple as to who they’d like to invite!
When it comes to the invites themselves, it’s not as strict as wedding invitations. For example, an online invitation or even a phone call is perfectly acceptable and guests should be informed about four to six weeks before the event.
The rehearsal dinner is typically held the night before the wedding within about 20 miles or so of the hotel or the actual venue as many guests are traveling to celebrate your wedding! Try and keep the travel time to the rehearsal dinner venue less than 45 minutes from guests lodging.
How to Plan a Rehearsal Dinner
If you’re ready to plan the rehearsal dinner, here are 10 simple steps!
Figure out who will host - if it’s not the couple, will it be the groom’s parents? The bride’s? Or both?
Choose the theme - an easy way to do this is to incorporate the wedding’s location or something unique to you and your partner!
Pick the location - many rehearsal dinners are held at the couple’s favorite restaurant or space that has meaning. Or, if you’re venue is a hotel, consider hosting it at a cute bar, the hotel pool, or even a large guest suite!
Make the guest list - choose which family members and guests will be attending (and don’t forget plus ones and dates!).
Set the date - traditionally, the rehearsal dinner is held the night prior to the wedding (i.e. a Friday for a Saturday wedding) and is not too long since everyone needs to be rested for the big day!
Plan the menu - figuring out the menu is an integral part of planning a rehearsal dinner! If you’re hosting it at your favorite restaurant, make sure everything is squared away. If you’re hosting at a banquet hall or somewhere else, consider serving hometown favorites.
Who’s toasting - while it’s of course customary for the host to welcome guests to the dinner, figure out who else would like to give a short toast - including guests and the couple themselves!
Wedding party gifts - traditionally, gifts for wedding party members are given at the rehearsal dinner (especially ones you’d like them to wear during the wedding).
Last minute reminders - before the end of dinner, take a moment to make any announcements about the wedding. For example, make sure everyone knows what they’re supposed to bring, when and where they’re expected to arrive to get ready and anything else they need to know.
Have fun! It’s easy to get caught up in everything going on at the dinner but don’t forget to enjoy the moment and have fun!
We hope this helps ease some stress of planning your rehearsal dinner! Let us know any of your tips and tricks in the comments.